Predictive equations for calculating athletes’ body fat mass using caliperometry: a narrative review

The assessment of body fat mass is an essential component in the training system of athletes, playing a key role not only in the formation of training programs and the development of individual dietary recommendations, but also being the subject of scientific interest in disciplines such as sports anthropology, anatomy and sports medicine. Among the variety of existing methods for determining body composition, caliperometry continues to occupy a special position due to its simplicity, mobility and accessibility, which makes it an indispensable tool in the practice of sports professionals. However, the effectiveness of this method largely depends on the correctness of the applied predictive equations, the development of which is traditionally based on specific samples of subjects, which creates significant limitations when working with different categories of athletes. In this regard, further scientific research aimed at developing specialized equations that take into account the morphofunctional characteristics of representatives of various sports is of particular importance. The main purpose of this review is to find, analyze, and select existing predictive equations for estimating body fat mass that would be maximally adapted to the characteristics of athletes of various specializations.